Film Africa, London’s biggest festival of African cinema, opens as it celebrates its 10th Edition
Film Africa, London’s biggest celebration of African and African diaspora cinema presented by the Royal African Society, has opened in the British capital and will run until 6 November 2022. This year marks the popular film festival’s 10th anniversary.
The festival returns with 48 titles from 16 African countries, including 22 UK, European and World premieres, in 7 venues.
With a vision of showcasing the depth and variety of African stories, this year’s curators: Aseye Tamakloe, Accra, Ghana; Nyambura M. Waruingi, Nairobi, Kenya; and Wilfred Okiche, Cleveland, USA via Lagos, Nigeria; have selected films which demonstrate that although a lot of history and experiences are shared by Africans, there isn’t any one way to be, or express being African.
The films, feature-length and shorts; fiction and documentary; lay bare the discourse around diversity, inclusiveness, power structures, seeking healing, and building communities.
“The Royal African Society is delighted to present the 10th edition of Film Africa. The films for this 10th edition are so beautiful and eclectic, spanning so many countries and feelings,” says Desta Haile, Deputy Director at the Royal African Society.
Indeed, themes covered include a mother’s love, belonging, sisterly bonds, migration, sexuality, gender, religion, abortion rights, repressed trauma, and freedom struggles. The selected films go to the very heart of issues, connecting historical events with contemporary concerns, and although heavy, these issues have been handled with sensitivity and captured with beauty on screen, reflecting the technical and artistic capacities of this era of African filmmakers.
“Film Africa’s mission remains the same: to offer a platform to showcase and celebrate the best contemporary African cinema in London, reaffirming our emphasis on discovering new talent. I am personally excited about each and every single selected film in this year’s programme as we encounter bold storytelling, unforgettable characters, and refreshing new perspectives,” explains Sarah Wechselberger, Festival Producer at Film Africa.
Building off the success of last year’s partnership with BFI Player, Film Africa will also feature a selection of 7 narrative and documentary films on BFI Player, which will be available for people to watch during the festival, individually or in interactive watch parties.
Click here for further information, schedules and show venues